U GRO Capital, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, announced recently that it has successfully raised INR 2,500 million through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. The INR-denominated NCDs issuance was fully subscribed by FMO, reflecting the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable prosperity by supporting entrepreneurs.
U GRO Capital has been focused on bridging the credit gap in India’s MSME Sector. Over the past 5 years, it has provided credit to more than 80,000 small businesses and has facilitated economic growth and employment. In a recent survey, it was found that 94% of the survey participants witnessed growth in their business turnover and there was a 36% growth in employment post availing loans from UGRO.
In its 5-year journey, the Company has received endorsement of its Impact Financing program in the form of Equity Capital from IFU of Rs. 2,400 million in May 2023. In addition to this, of its total borrowings, ~20% consist of Development Financial Institution and Impact Funds, both in India and globally, such as ResponsAbility, Calvert Impact Capital, Enabling Qapital, SIDBI and others.
Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director of U GRO Capital, commented on the collaboration, saying, “This transaction is proof of U GRO Capital’s ability to forge partnerships with and attract funding from reputed global DFIs. We share a common vision of financial inclusion with impact funding organizations and are excited to collaborate with FMO to meet the diverse financial needs of India’s underserved MSMEs. Impact investors are critical funding partners in enabling us to bridge India’s massive credit gap in the MSME sector, and we will continue to leverage our technology and credit expertise to service MSMEs across the spectrum via our multi-channel distribution model.”
Aleksandra Gazy, Senior Investment Officer at FMO said, “We are pleased to partner with U GRO Capital in their mission to empower MSMEs in India. MSME Finance is a key driver for financial inclusion, and U GRO Capital’s mission to solve the small business credit need is in line with our vision of promoting inclusive and sustainable prosperity. We are confident that together we will positively impact the lives of MSME borrowers. The association will help strengthen our commitment towards greater financial inclusion in India.”
